Social Services Specialist Jobs in South Dakota

Social Services Specialist jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Pierre, where state agencies, tribal health systems, and large nonprofit organizations maintain steady demand for specialists in child welfare, adult protective services, and behavioral health. The South Dakota Department of Social Services, Avera Health, and Sanford Health are among the most established employers in the state, hiring across entry-level and senior caseworker roles. Openings appear throughout the year, with the most consistent volume in family services and disability support. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.

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Overview

Open roles26
Top employerUS Department of Veterans Affairs
Top citySioux Falls, SD
Cities hiring11
Work type80% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 26+ Social Services Specialist jobs

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Social Media and Marketing Manager
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Added 2d ago
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Northtown Automotive
Yankton, South Dakota
Customer Success
Growth Marketing
Marketing
$20 - $30/hr
On-Site

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Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Social Worker Counselor - Licensed
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Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Added 2d ago
Social Worker Counselor - Licensed
Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Rapid City, South Dakota
Allied Health
Community & Nonprofit Services
Human Resources
Social Work & Counseling
$50k - $120k/yr
On-Site

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Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Social Worker/Counselor - Licensed
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Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Added 3d ago
Social Worker/Counselor - Licensed
Rising Hope Counseling, LLC
Belle Fourche, South Dakota
Allied Health
Community & Nonprofit Services
Human Resources
Social Work & Counseling
$50k - $120k/yr
On-Site

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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Added 3d ago
Social Worker (Program Coordinator) - Suicide Prevention
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Hot Springs, South Dakota
Account Management
Business Operations
Customer Service
$92k - $119k/yr
On-Site
Master's degree in social work
10,000+

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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Worker - Acute Medicine
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Added 3d ago
Social Worker - Acute Medicine
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Fort Meade, South Dakota
Account Management
Business Operations
Customer Service
$63k - $100k/yr
On-Site
Master's degree in social work
10,000+

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See All 26 Social Services Specialist Jobs in South Dakota

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Social Services Specialist Jobs by City in South Dakota

Where South Dakota roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Sioux Falls
11 jobs
Rapid City
4 jobs
Huron
2 jobs
Yankton
2 jobs
Aberdeen
1 job
Kennebec
1 job
Watertown
1 job
Fort Meade
1 job
Hot Springs
1 job

Social Services Specialist Job Market in South Dakota

A snapshot from current South Dakota openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

US Department of Veterans Affairs
US Department of Veterans Affairs5 open roles
Sioux Center Health
Sioux Center Health4 open roles
Avera Health
Avera Health3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services

What South Dakota Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs across South Dakota.

  • Active South Dakota social work license or eligibility for DSS-recognized human services credential
  • Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a closely related human services field
  • Experience conducting assessments, case management, or direct client services in a social services setting
  • Familiarity with South Dakota DSS programs including TANF, Medicaid, or Title IV-E child welfare
  • Strong documentation skills and proficiency with case management information systems
  • Valid South Dakota driver's license and willingness to travel to rural or reservation communities

Social Services Specialist Jobs in South Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a social services specialist in South Dakota?

Most social services specialist positions in South Dakota require at minimum a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. State agency roles through the South Dakota Department of Social Services may also require passing a merit-based civil service exam and background check. Specialists working in licensed clinical or child welfare settings often pursue credentials through the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners, which oversees licensure at the BSW and MSW levels.

Which companies hire social services specialists in South Dakota?

Companies currently hiring social services specialists in South Dakota include US Department of Veterans Affairs, Sioux Center Health, and Avera Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The South Dakota Department of Social Services, tribal health and human services programs, and regional nonprofits serving rural and Native communities are also consistent sources of openings across the state.

Which South Dakota cities have the most social services specialist jobs?

Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Huron have the most social services specialist openings in South Dakota. Sioux Falls leads because of its concentration of large health systems, nonprofit organizations, and state administrative offices, while Rapid City draws openings tied to tribal nation partnerships and regional service hubs, and Pierre anchors state government roles within the Department of Social Services.

Are there remote social services specialist jobs in South Dakota?

Yes, but they're limited. Social services specialist work is largely in-person by nature, involving home visits, client assessments, and court-related functions that require physical presence. About 20% of social services specialist openings tied to South Dakota are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to be in administrative coordination, case documentation review, or telephone-based intake roles rather than direct client services.

How can I get hired as a social services specialist in South Dakota with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying to South Dakota Department of Social Services eligibility specialist or family services specialist roles, which are designed for candidates with a qualifying degree but limited field experience. Avera Health and regional community action agencies across South Dakota also hire case aide and program assistant positions that build toward full specialist roles. Completing an internship through an accredited South Dakota social work program and obtaining a BSW-level license from the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners strengthens any entry-level application significantly.

Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs in South Dakota?

You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs in South Dakota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings to find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and location preferences.

See All 26 Social Services Specialist Jobs in South Dakota

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